Martin Offiah MBE and Gorden Tallis ring the opening bell!
The biggest rivalry in Rugby League was reignited on a grand stage today, when representatives from England and Australia opened the trading floor at the London Stock Exchange.
Ahead of Saturday’s first Test at Wembley Stadium, which will launch League’s first Ashes battle for 22 years, two of the sport’s recent champions Martin Offiah MBE and Gorden Tallis were afforded the honour of ringing the bell.
“Chariots” Offiah remains one of Rugby League’s most recognisable personalities after scoring 481 tries in his record-breaking playing career, and is immortalised on the Rugby League Statue outside Wembley Stadium, while Tallis earned the nickname “Raging Bull” for his fiery pack performances for St George, Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia.
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of Rugby League Commercial, confirmed before the bell was rung that Saturday’s match is already guaranteed to set a new record attendance for an Ashes clash in this country, with ticket sales surpassing the 57,034 who saw Jonathan Davies score a brilliant try for Great Britain to secure an 8-4 victory over the Kangaroos in 1994.
The Second Test at Everton’s new Hill-Dickinson Stadium on November 1 and the Third Test at AMT Headingley in Leeds on November 8 are already sold out.
Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, said:
“We were delighted to be joined by the famous Rugby League Ashes trophy, and by Martin and Gorden, at the London Stock Exchange today for this special opportunity to celebrate the revival of the fierce rivalry after a 22-year absence.
“We feel privileged to be part of this unique ceremony and for a brief moment place Rugby League at the beating heart of the UK’s economy. I am very thankful to the London Stock Exchange, Open Exchange and those who have made this possible.”
